CAMPFIRE GOSSIP

PRIVATE PATTERSON TIES UP A FEW LOOSE ENDS

Private Paterson Shot?

Ha! As if!

Provost Marshall Strongman doesn't just embroider the Truth - he rips it up and then patch-works it all together into something that's about a million miles from reality! I mean my potted plant talks more sense...

So, having dragged myself away from darning socks and then embroidering them, I must tell you all the truth about my ‘execution'. Some of you may indeed have witnessed this awful event at Kiplin Hall, Confederate officers being desperate to counter the effect of my many exploits on the morale of their men, by having me shot.

Fortunately, I was saved by the Sinister Shadow, who disguised as Jock of the 43rdNC, bribed the firing so load with blanks. I had only to play dead while I was given a comfy stretcher ride back to our lines, and then resurrect!

I'm sure the Sinister Shadow will bear out the fact that I faced my execution with courage and dignity (and only a little whimpering).

Once again the dynamic duo of the Sinister Shadow and Private Paterson will bring terror to the Rebs., Ruin all their evil plans and fill the Provost Marshall's heart with fear.

When will he cotton on to the fact that I am indestructible and the Sinister Shadow unbeatable? He really does seam to have lost the thread, spending more time making cutting comments than in actually doing his job. But then it must be difficult trying to be Provost Marshall with the intellect and mental agility of a small amoeba. He even appears to think that the Sinister Shadow and myself are ONE AND THE SAME when, in fact, nothing could be further from the truth.

I look forward to once again infiltrating the Confederate Army under his ever-unwatchful eyes and continuing to supply our top quality officers in the Union Army with top quality information as we march on to ultimate victory!

For the Union

Private Paterson

P.S. The ‘Glorious 43rd'? I was in stitches! It just shows how far into Fantasyland Norman has gone

DEAR ED.

Just a few words to say what a great weekend I had at Weston Park, and also a big thank you to all the people who were responsible for all the organisation and hard work that they must have put in. I myself can't make many events a year, so if it wasn't for these hard working organising people I wouldn't have an event to go to. The battle to me was fantastic, the company was fantastic, and also the opposition was not that bad.

For those in the 18th Virginia who kicked down the fence on the first day while I was draped over the lower rung, I am OK now and I am getting the feeling back in my fingers now.

Again I would like to thank the organisers for there hard work and hope it was a success for the Society

Andy Howe (Trigger), 32 Virginia.

I am writing this following a very successful outing at Weston Park. I am sure that you will agree that the band did us proud and I should like to give a big 'thank you' to their Mums and Dads.

I should also like to thank the Confederate Army for the surprise that they sprung on my Band Members and myself. I was absolutely dumbfounded by their generosity. For those who do not know, the Confederate Army has made a donation to the Band of £140.74.

to be spent on equipment for the Band. This donation will help me purchase items required by the Band i.e. drumsticks, slings, skins etc.

Thank you once again.

John Fairfield, Drum Major

Thank You

My wife, friend & I attended Weston Park at the weekend in our motor homes & wish to thank you for an excellent time. The battles were brilliant, the hospital scenes memorable & the friendliness shown by your members when we went for a pint at night, only added to the enjoyment.

Thanks again

Ray Condliffe

THE BRATTONSVILLE ORPHAN

The photo in the April newsletter, from Peter Smith's back page, has fond memories for me. As I am that young(ish) thin(ish) man on the right in blue. Peter was almost right by naming two regiments but there were three regiments represented, I represented the 2nd Wisconsin, looking at the photo, it looks like the Sunday morning parade, as the 14th Brooklyn or the 14th New York as they were, had turned sides.

On the Saturday morning the Federals marched over to meet our Commanding Officer, who I think was from the South, took one look at the 14th and said "The red trousers I can stand but not the Red Kepi's" so you can go on that cannon, two can go over there, he soon went through them, dividing them up. Peter's son Nigel, was to be his runner, that's not what they had gone 3000 miles for, so with youth understanding they said "no thanks" and went on their way (Actually I think it was more like F*** **f. ) and went over to THEM people, who took them with open arms. This left one ‘The Brattonville Orphan', who was quickly adopted by a group of Baltimore pirates and their leader Cpt. Wayne Wolff, they looked after me, boy did they look after me, and this was the start of a long personal friendship for me and the Federal Army to this day.

These days Wayne is not the C.O. of Company C of the 2nd U.S. But is the Colonel Commanding Vincents Brigade.

It's sad that some 19 years. Later there is only one still regularly re-enacting or is it 19 yrs later there is still one sad one re-enacting?

Yours

Capt. Gary Holman, Adjutant 2nd Battalion, U.S. Staff.

IN REGRET

It is with regret that I learnt of the passing of Pvt Barry Poyner, 1st Maryland, E Comp. Ewells Corps., A.N.V. C.S.A. On June 10th 03.

Many a time he put us younger troops to shame, just by keeping pace and was happy to sit by his tent in the morning with a mug of tea and breakfast with his comrades. He was a nice bloke and will be missed. My condolences to his family.

I enjoyed serving with him.

Confederatly yours,

Spen, Pvt. 1st Maryland